Clinical Psychology (MSC)
Programme Overview
Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the assessment and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior and psychiatric problems. This field integrates the science of psychology, through research, with the treatment of complex human problems. Clinical psychologists often work in hospitals, private practice, or academic settings and presents as an exciting career choice for people who are looking for a challenging and rewarding field.
Programme Objectives
In achieving its objectives, the programme will provide the means where by all students can acquire and demonstrate substantial understanding of and competence in the following areas:
1. The breadth of scientific psychology, its history of thought and development, its research methods, and it applications to the Caribbean situation. To achieve this end, the students shall be exposed to the current body of knowledge in at least the following areas:
• biological aspects of behavior;
• cognitive and effective aspects of behavior;
• history and systems of psychology in the Caribbean;
• psychological measurement;
• research methodology; and
• techniques of data analysis;
2. The scientific, methodological, and theoretical foundations of practice in the substantive area (s) of professional psychology in which the programme has its training emphasis. To achieve this end, the students shall be exposed to the current body of knowledge in at least the following areas:
• individual differences;
• human development;
• dysfunctional behavior and psychopathology; and
• professional standards and ethics;
3. Diagnosing or defining problems through psychological assessment and measurement and formulating and implementing intervention strategies (including training in empirically supported procedures). To achieve this end, the students shall be exposed to the current body of knowledge in at least the following areas;
• theories and methods of assessment and diagnosis;
• effective intervention;
• consultation and supervision, and
• evaluating the efficacy of interventions;
4. Issues of cultural and individual diversity that are relevant to all of the above.
5. Attitudes essential for life-long learning, scholarly inquiry, and professional problem-solving as psychologist in the context of an evolving body of scientific and professional knowledge.
Admission Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from a recognized University with at least Upper Second Class Honours. Applicants with Bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines are required to complete the diploma in Psychology. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient aptitude in research, statistics and have clinical experience.
Programme Structure
The M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology is offered on a full-time basis. Students should be able to complete all requirements for the programme, including the practicum, in two calendar years. The programme runs for four semesters and includes a summer practicum.
YEAR I
Semester 1
PSYC 6021 - Psychopathology
PSYC 6014 - Psychological Assessment-I
PSYC 6017 - Clinical Research Skills
PSYC 6016 - Caribbean Psychology
PSYC 6023 - Issues of Caribbean Psychology; Ethics & Professional- Seminar 1
PSYC 6031 - Practicum I
Research Seminar
Psychopharmacology
Semester II
PSYC 6020 - Issues of Caribbean Psychology: Ethics & Professional- Seminar 11
PYSC 6024 - Psychological Assessment II
PSYC 6018 - Individual Psychotherapy
PSYC 6019 - Issues of Human Development
PSYC 6024 - Practicum II
Summer Session
PSYC 6025 - Practicum III - (June- August)
YEAR II
Semester I
PSYC 6022 - Applied Health Psychology
PYSC 6028 - Clinical Neuropsychology
PSYC 6026 - Practicum IV - (Either semester I or II - 2 1/2 days per wk)
Semester II
SOWK 6108 - Group Therapy or SOWK 6112 - Family Therapy
PSYC 6027 - Research Paper – (submission – May)
PSYC 6026 - Practicum IV
PSYC 6029 - Comprehensive Examination - Summer Session II (July)
Careers after Graduation
The general aim of the Masters in Clinical Psychology is to produce graduate with the theoretical ability and practical skills to work in a variety of roles and settings within the Caribbean. The programme employs the Scientist - Practitioner model. The curriculum is highly structured, and is designed to maximize the development of professional skills while also developing the student’s understanding of fundamental areas in the discipline of Psychology. This programme is managed administratively and delivered jointly by the Psychology Unit, Department of Sociology, Psychology & Social Work and the Section of Psychiatry, Department of Community Health & Psychiatry. After graduating from the programme students function as associate clinical psychologists and are asked to work in this capacity under supervision. Students graduating from the programme can work as lecturers, therapists (in various settings such as schools and other organizations, i.e. CDA), and research assistants. Many of our students have also gone on to pursue their doctoral degrees
Further Information:
All students are required to participate in a year-long group experience, complete six sessions of individual therapy and attend bi-weekly seminars in research, psychopharmacology and professional development. The programme can accommodate 10-15 students (given available supervisory resources).
Contact Information:
Programme Coordinator – Dr. Stacey Brodie Walker
Email: stacey.brodie@uwimona.edu.jm
Telephone: 970-6341/970-3696